Featured Author: M. Skye

Virtualbookworm.com brings M. Skye here to talk about her romantic suspense novel, Circle of Deception, just published in March.

About the book:

Megan Marie Cardoza, is a twenty-six-year-old Media CEO with a less than impressive personal life. When Meg’s best friend Emily returns to town, she, and Meg’s siblings shake things to the core prompting Meg to reveal her true feelings for her ex Alex, and give in to her needs she has been suppressing for six long years. After a steamy reconciliation between her and Alex, things seem to be falling back into place, until the past comes back to slap them in the face at their engagement party no less. With the arrival of Meg’s parents and the continued interference by Alex’s father, who hates Meg, secrets much deeper than they ever expected float to the surface threatening to rip Meg and Alex apart for good, with fatal results for some. When everything she thought she knew is in question, Meg must decide if the secrets are big enough to walk away for good.

Interview with M. Skye

Hi, M...should I call you M? Okay, M, Circle of Deception is your debut novel. How long have you been writing, and how did you start?

I’ve been writing since middle school, mostly poems and short stories. I only recently started to dabble in full length novels. I love to read, so I was sitting reading a book from one of my favorite authors, and I thought, hey, I can do this. Two months later, I had Circle of Deception, and I’ve been writing ever since.

What’s the story behind the title Circle of Deception?

The title lets you know right off that the book will be full of secrets and dramatic events. I wanted to sell the belief that at some point, every character in the book has a secret to be told. Some are insignificant and some are too large to contain, thus making the whole circle of friends deceptive to a certain extent.

Do you have another job outside of writing?

I have a full-time job working in the medical field. I work forty hours a week and still average to dedicate about twenty hours a week to my writing.

How did you create the plot for this book?

The plot for the book is completely fictional, while some of the relationships mirror those of people I know personally. For instance, the relationships and bonds between the siblings are like those between my siblings. (We meddle in each other’s lives as well.)

What’s your favorite line from a book?

Hands down, Gone With The Wind: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

How do you get to know your characters?

My characters and I are one in the same in some ways. They all display some semblance of my snappy personality, but they also have the ability to make you fall in love with their sincerity. I’m a big fan of evolution, so you will see growth in my characters as the books go on. Even the most unfortunate of characters have their turning points.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

I loved the character of Gio. He was so fun, carefree, and comfortable in his skin. He has a big heart, and is very devoted to his family. He places their happiness above all with his hilarious lease on life.

Are any of your characters inspired by real people? Who?

In a way, the characters are like many of my friends and family all wrapped up in one. For instance, the main characters, Meg and Alex, are strong, stubborn, and passionate much like a couple I’ve known for quite a while. Their love gets them through some pretty dark times in the book.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.

There were so many to choose from, but I would have to say, the scene towards the end where Bianca comes clean about everything past, present, and her plans for the future. In that scene, we get to see how deep Alex and Meg’s connection really is and how selfless they both are when it comes to protecting their daughter. It gives you so much to smile about in a time of tragedy.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

I’m a huge R&B fan, so I would have to say “Drama, Love, and Lationships” by Babyface. The lyrics really spoke to me when I was writing the scenes.

Who are your favorite authors?


I love Eric Jerome Dickey and Brenda Jackson.

What’s one pet peeve you have when you read?

I hate unresolved story lines and predictability. With each of my projects, you can expect a dramatic twist, and if it is not resolved, then you can believe there will be a sequel.


Do you have a routine for writing?

My routine is a bit unorthodox. I work crazy late hours, and when I get off of work, it’s like I get a second wind. When I get home, I toss in my headphones with a nice R&B playlist and write until I fall asleep. I have been averaging a chapter every two days or so.

Where’s home for you?

The beautiful state of Texas, Dallas, to be exact. I love it here, wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

Are you happy with your publishing decision?

I am very happy that I made the first step. The publishing company I’m working with has been amazing throughout the whole process. I submitted my story with them, and two weeks later, we got started. They have been working very hard to make my vision happen, and they are great with details. Virtual Bookworm was the best choice for me with my first book!

What’s your favorite candy bar?

Twix!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Oh goodness, I’m sleeping! No, really, I’m spending time with my husband and family or either at work. My life is hectic sometimes, but I love it!

What are you working on now?

I have been writing a new book every other month. I recently finished the sequel to Circle of Deception and started a new series called Mixing Business with Pleasure. I am currently beginning the second installment of that series. Like Circle of Deception, it has all the drama and steamy encounters you can stand, with an exciting plot and main characters with very strong personalities. I hope to get all three novels published by the end of the year.

About the Author:

Circle of Deception is the debut novel for author M. Skye. In her novels, she likes to evoke strong dramatic story lines, with strong romantic content. She loves to throw twists and curve balls you won’t see coming into her stories, with racy encounters at every turn. This is the first published work, but won’t be the last from this imaginative writer. She spends her free time writing and spends time with her large family.

Connect with M. Skye:
Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million 

Featured Author: Steven Manchester

The Story Plant brings Steven Manchester here today to talk about his latest release, Pressed Pennies. To read an excerpt from the book and see the schedule for Steven's virtual book tour, click here.

About the book:

Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige's father nearly destroyed Abby's spirit.



Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they're hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She's very protective of the life she's made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn't know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you've dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?



Pressed Pennies is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love in its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.


Steven, you have twelve published books. How long have you been writing, and how did you start?


I’d just returned home from Operation Desert Storm and was working as a prison investigator in Massachusetts. Needless to say, there was great negativity in my life at that time. I decided to return to college to finish my degree in Criminal Justice. During one of the classes, the professor talked about police work but nothing else. I finally raised my hand and asked, “The criminal justice system is vast. What about the courts, probation, parole – corrections?” He smiled and told me to see him after class. I thought I’d done it! In his office, he explained, “There’s no written material out there on corrections or prisons, except from the slanted perspective of inmates.” He smiled again and dropped the bomb. “If you’re so smart,” he said, “why don’t you write it?” Nine months later, I dropped the first draft of 6-5; A Different Shade of Blue on his desk. From then on, I was hooked. I was a writer.

Is your book based on real events?


Pressed Pennies is one of my favorite works because it’s so personal to me. And if I didn’t admit to that, then I’m fairly certain that my wife, Paula, would have my neck. At its foundation, Pressed Pennies is autobiographical. After both suffering failed marriages, Paula and I were blessed with a second chance at love. Just like Rick and Abby, we met at the party of a mutual friend. And from the moment we laid eyes on each other, the adventure had begun. Although Rick and Abby’s details are completely fictional, the feelings are the same. As a writer, my greatest goal is always to make my readers feel. By placing myself within the scene, I have a much better shot at successfully pulling that off.


One of your characters has just found out you’re about to kill him off. He/she decides to beat you to the punch. How would he kill you?


Being from frigid New England, he’d impale me with an icicle...watching as the evidence just melts away.

Diabolical! 
How do you get to know your characters?


Characters: Learn them. Know them. If they become real enough, your characters will tell the story for you. Think about it: The raised eyebrow from a well-established character is worth more than a paragraph or two. The saddest time for me is when a novel comes to its end. This is mostly true because I start to miss the people that I’ve grown to love and hate. And if you don’t feel that for your characters, then your readers won’t, either. When I'm completely vested in a story, the first thing I think about in the morning is the characters (what they’re thinking and feeling, and how they might act), and the last thing I think about before turning in at night is the characters.


Which character did you most enjoy writing?


Abby...because she’s primarily my wife, Paula.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

The Dance by Garth Brooks.



I love that song! Who are your favorite authors?

Stephen King, Mitch Albom, and Lou Aronica.

You get to decide who would read your audiobook. Who would you choose?

Morgan Freeman.

Where’s home for you?

Massachusetts

.



You’re leaving your country for a year. What’s the last meal you would want to have before leaving?

My wife’s Fettuccini Alfredo.

You’re given the day off, and you can do anything but write. What would you do?


Hang outdoors with my kids.

You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?

Addicus Finch.


What would your dream office look like?

Some historical library.

With you living in Massachusetts, you should

 check out the Stockbridge Library, if you haven't already. The upstairs room in particular. Best. office. ever. What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney.



What’s your favorite candy bar?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!



Excellent choice. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

With my wife and kids...location wouldn’t much matter.



What are you working on now? 


Although it took me nine months to pen Gooseberry Island, it’s been a novel in the making for better than twenty years. Again, I served in Operation Desert Storm and have both experienced and witnessed the terrible suffering that accompanies combat service. More times than not, the wounds that are invisible prove much more painful than those that can be seen.

On the heels of Pressed Pennies, we decided to create another love story. In Gooseberry Island, David and Lindsey fall deeply in love, but quickly face a monstrous obstacle—the after effects of war.

Gooseberry Island is a tribute to all who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those who stayed behind and suffered every moment until their loved one’s return.

The novel’s excerpt depicts David during his first few days of returning home from combat in Afghanistan. He is suffering terribly from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and must decide whether to continue seeing Lindsey, the woman who helped him survive the twelve months of hell. My life is in complete chaos, but maybe if I tried talking to Lindsey? David thought, shaking his head. No...it wouldn’t be fair.

About the author:

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers, Twelve Months and The Rockin' Chair. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian, as well as A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Pressed Pennies (released May 13, 2014) and Gooseberry Island (due out January 2015). His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning, and BET's Nightly News. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing.


Connect with Steven:
Website | 



Facebook | 
Goodreads |
Amazon | 
Barnes & Noble 

Featured Author: Ayelen Barrios Ruiz Pagano

Ayelen Barrios Ruiz Pagano is here to talk about her young adult contemporary romance, The Donahues, published by Safkhet Publishing.

About the book:

On Emily's sixteenth birthday, she discovers a letter that tells of her long lost father, who not only wants her back but is also filthy rich! Tensions between her and her mother were never very good, and with this letter, they escalate to where Emily moves out for the summer to her new/old family - at their opulent summer home. Find out how Emily wrestles with her feelings, finds love and balances her two families in The Donahues. (Safkhet Publishing)

Interview with Ayelen Barrios Ruiz Pagano

How long have you been writing, and how did you start?

I started to take writing seriously at the end of elementary school. I would write a very bad stories but from there I would write more and more. I would show it to my friends and had a different project at all times. I’m 21 now so it’s been at least ten years. How many of those years have included good writing is a different question.

What’s the story behind the title The Donahues?

The last name itself to me sounds like it is from a wealthy family, so it was easy to decide that their last name would be Donahue. As for making it the title, I think the title should represent the book itself. The plot in the book only begins after Tim’s letter to Emily is found. He is a Donahue, the name Donahue to Emily represents her true self for a long part of the novel, or the missing part of herself. The surname is also what drives her to go back home after spending the summer with them. It is a catalyst for many decisions and actions in the novel so I thought it suiting.

How did you create the plot for this book?

I think the plot creates itself once you’ve established all of your characters. Yes, I came up with the beginning part, the makeup, of the story: Emily was adopted, however her parents never gave her up. The rest came with the characters. The characters drive the story. The decisions they make are the drivers for the next series of events. Jason for example: Jason thinks she’s cute, but he values being popular. Therefore, he only actually goes for it with Emily when he realizes who she is and who she is related to. Ben’s love for his family and university future merge and give him incentive to accept Tim. Stephen keeps Emily’s secret because he would do anything for her. Their true selves influence their decisions which influence the plot.

How do you get to know your characters?

I need to know a little bit about my characters before I can ever write down a word.  I need to understand their motivations even if those motivations and intentions never get written down. I get to know them as people. Each character therefore (like people) have different taste in music and movies. You can learn a lot about a person by taking a look at their iTunes "most played." I like to say the dialogue out loud when I get the chance to; it helps me make sure it is true to the character, the way the character would speak instead of the way I would speak. Sometimes that creeps in, but it can’t be completely out of character.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

I would have to say Debbie because like Emily, I find her to be very amusing. She’s a free soul, she’s a little bit of a wild child but a true friend. She’s the kind of friend you want to have. Because of her absolute free-child spirit it was fun to let her do what she does best--have fun and not apologize for it.

If you could be one of your characters, which one would you choose?

I think Debbie has it pretty good. She’s free spirited, confident, rich, and has a cute boyfriend. She has a lot going for her. So I’d choose her.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.

My favorite scene from The Donahues would have to be the scene alongside the train tracks. I think there’s something romantic about a railroad station, and in this scene Emily completely breaks (SPOILER) Stephen’s heart, which I love because in a way it defies the norm. I like that she realizes what she’s doing, and that she gets called out for her actions. I like that Stephen finally has the courage to speak up, and they talk to each other as equals. It’s my favorite scene because the reader really gets to grasp how these two characters are in their own worlds. When they are together, there may be people around them but it doesn’t matter. That’s what it’s like to be a teenager, and that’s why I like that scene.

You get to decide who would read your audiobook. Who would you choose?

Ooh, let’s see. Since the story is told from Emily’s point of view I would choose a girl, as for who I would have to say...Emma Stone. She’s young, funny and has a great voice.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I like it to be quiet around me when I’m writing, meaning no one there to disturb me. However, every once in a while, I like to blast some music to get the juices flowing. It doesn’t matter where I am, as long as I have head phones, music, and no one speaking to me. I like to talk out loud especially when writing dialogue, so being alone in those moments is a must, otherwise people think you’re crazy. Ha ha.

If you could only keep one book, what would it be?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Yes it’s a stereotypical answer, however I decided to study English in University because of my pure love for Jane Austen. My favorite of her books, the one I read when I’m sad, happy, or just feeling meh is P&P. Mr. Darcy always makes me feel better.

That's one of my favorites, too. You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?

This is easy, Elizabeth Bennet, for one reason: Mr. Darcy. The pretty dresses wouldn’t hurt either, and since it’s only for one day the pros conquer the cons.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Read, Homework, Work, TV, Movies, Web series, or think about what I’m going to write about.

What are you working on now?

I just finishing launching my first web series (Ironically called Firsts it can be found on You Tube). So for right now I’m focusing on school and then off to continue writing.  I don’t know what that project will be but I hope it’ll be great.

About the author:

Ayelen is a proud fanatic of Disney, bad reality TV, and all things romance. She's always looking to find a new project to occupy her already busy time. Loving nothing less than a good story, you can find her reading, writing, or watching a movie based on a book somewhere in Canada.

Connect with Ayelen:
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | You Tube Channel 

Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Book Spotlight: To Sleep...Perchance To Die

Book Details:

Book Title: To Sleep...Perchance to Die by Donald R. Grippo
Category: Adult fiction, 232 pages
Genre: medical thriller / murder mystery
Publisher: Turn the Page Publishing
Published: June 2013 Hardcover, June 2014 Softcover
Available in: Print and e-book (mobi for Kindle & ePub)
Will send books: Internationally
Tour dates:  May 12 to June 20, 2014
Content Rating: R

About the book:

Tangled lives, tainted love, and a Shakespearean twist lead to deception, betrayal, and murder. In this sexy, psychological thriller, Eurasian beauty Mai Faca plots to marry Jake Warden, a successful oral surgeon forbidden to her because of family honor. In an unheard-of scheme, fellow surgeon, Bret Manley, falls victim to Mai's seduction as she and Jake play a cruel trick to be together. Jake acts with surgical precision to clear the path to Mai's happiness, threatening lives including his own. In a wake of turmoil and destruction, Bret's uncle and well-known criminal attorney Hubie Santos attempts to find out if a surgeon would use his knowledge to kill.

About the author:

Donald R. Grippo, DDS practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery in northeastern Connecticut for more than thirty years. On a daily basis, he encountered patient's fear of undergoing oral surgery and associated anesthesia. To help allay such fear he wrote A Guide to the Guy or Gal Who Takes Your Teeth Out, a series of short stories dealing with the treatment of typical oral surgical problems. His resume includes working as a dentist at the Tennessee State Prison outside of Nashville and as a guard at the Hartford State Jail on Syms Street in Hartford.



Connect with the author:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Buy the book:

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo Chapters

For a schedule of stops on Donald's Blog Tour, go to iReadBookTours

Featured author: Victoria Warren Jackson

Untraditional Love In The Dark is a romance novel by Victoria Warren Jackson. I'm happy to be part of her blog tour today with Pump Up Your Book.

About the book:

Samantha wants to have it all. She has a successful business, a wonderful family, and a one-of-a kind best friend. The only thing missing is a man who loves her. On the rebound, and in search of love, Samantha marries Isaiah. He is a dream come true until his secret turns the marriage into a nightmare. Will Samantha survive after she tries to end it all?

Other books by Victoria Jackson

Not Just Us
Can You Feel Me?: Intimate Poetry

Interview with Victoria Warren Jackson

Victoria, how long have you been writing, and how did you start?

I started writing was I was a young girl. I was an avid reader. I wanted to put try out writing my own material. I was in elementary school when I wrote a short story but never finished the ending. I then went on to write poetry in high school, which my English Teacher included in a poetry book.

How do you get to know your characters?

I do an outline to develop my characters. I daydream about my characters. I even dream about my characters until they come to life.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

I enjoyed writing about Samantha the most because I could relate to her desire to be loved.

What would your main character say about you?

My main character would describe me as a caring person.

With which of your characters would you most like to be stuck in a bookstore?


I would like to be stuck in a bookstore with Isaiah. I would ask him many questions about his secret life.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.

My favorite scene in the book is when Samantha finally catches Isaiah in the act. She can no longer deny her suspensions.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

"My Funny Valentine" by Chaka Khan.

Who are your favorite authors?


Maya Angelou, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Stephen King, and Jackie Collins.

Do you have a routine for writing?

I only like to write early in the morning or late at night. I prefer it to be dark and quiet.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I prefer to write at home.

Where’s home for you?

Florida

If you could only keep one book, what would it be?

The Bible.

Pretend you’re leaving your country for a year. What’s the last meal (or food) you would want to have before leaving?

Extra cheese pizza.

You’re given the day off, and you can do anything but write. What would you do?

Watch Lifetime Movie Network.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I received all rejection letters from the big publishing houses. I was not going to let it ruin my dreams.

Are you happy with your decision to self-publish?

I am happy I decided to self-publish. If I had not self-published my books, they would still be in my file cabinet. I started by purchasing the book by Dan Poynter. I followed all of his suggestions. I then contacted Kimberla Lawson Roby who gave me some advice. I met with local authors. I did lots of Internet research. I made many phone calls asking for help. It was not easy. Some days were very discouraging.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I am an extreme couponer for fun. I love the challenge. It gets very intense.

What are you working on now?

A fiction novel.

About the author:

Victoria has been an educator for sixteen years and began writing her first novel while teaching middle grade students. Victoria soon realized that writing is therapy and continues to write daily. She is the author of three books, Can You Feel Me? Intimate Poetry, Not Just Us, and Untraditional Love In The Dark.

Victoria is passionate about helping children become their best. She remains busy writing, teaching full-time, and volunteering in her community.

Victoria currently lives in Florida.

Connect with Victoria:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter 

Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Featured Author: David K. Hayward

VirtualBookworm.com brings David K. Hayward

 here today to talk about his non-fiction book, A Young Man in the Wild Blue Yonder, Thoughts of a B-25 pilot in World War II.

About the book:

David Hayward, a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, takes the reader through his adventures and challenges as a young man serving his country in World War II. Would he “wash out” of flying school? Would he survive the dangers and fears of flying 53 combat missions as pilot of a B-25 medium bomber in the China-Burma-India theater of operations?

You will experience the thrill of his solo flight; the frightening day when a Japanese fighter plane flew alongside; an awesome flight over the highest mountains of Tibet, searching for an enemy transmitter luring friendly cargo planes off course; attacking enemy supply lines along the east coast of China; and the sorrow of losing close friends.

David Hayward tells of serving also at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, DC, transporting VIPs (very important persons) on their inspection tours, and as courier to Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall. The reader will join Hayward in developing a veterans association and gathering at annual reunions, and making six return trips to China to relive the pleasant and the sorrowful.

The story is illustrated with 119 images and conveys thoughts and concerns of David Hayward through his most unusual experience.

Interview with David Hayward

David, I believe this book is a memoir of sorts. How long have you been writing, and how did you start?
   
Since 1987, when I became Secretary-Treasurer of the 22nd Bomb Squadron Association, a group of World War II veterans. I started writing a newsletter which led to additional publications.

What inspired you to write this book?

My associates convinced me that the material should be made available for my family and the public to enjoy. I welcomed the opportunity to gather together all relevant material I had written over the years and consolidating it into a single book.

How long did it take you to write it?

Four months from the time I began gathering information until the book appeared on amazon.com. That was from September to December 2013.

That's fast! What do you hope readers will get from this book?

A feeling for what it was like to witness our country’s entry into war and my subsequent experiences as I progressed along the way. That covered all forms of emotion from fear to relief, from failure to accomplishment, from sorrow to joy and from boyhood naivete to maturity. The book also contains valuable history of the air force squadron and its times.

How did you come up with the title, A Young Man in the Wild Blue Yonder?    

The Air Force Song’s opening line is “Off we go, into the wild blue yonder.”

I think you're retired now, but do you have another job outside of writing?    

I am retired, but my time is spent principally as Secretary-Treasurer of the 22nd Bomb Squadron Association.

Give us the elevator speech for A Young Man in the Wild Blue Yonder?    

David Hayward describes excitement, fear and adventure as pilot of a B-25 medium bomber in World War II, through pilot training, combat in India, Burma and China, and reassignment in Washington, DC, serving leaders in the war effort. He tells of reunions and revisiting China after the war.

How did you come up with your cover art?     

The photo of me sitting in the pilot’s seat of a B-25 was taken at our air base in India in 1943.

Tell us about your favorite scene or chapter in the book. 

The first chapter tells of my first combat mission, where we encountered a large formation of Japanese airplanes. Our airplane, the slowest in the formation, was left behind as a straggler. A Japanese fighter plane flew alongside, scared the dickens out of us, and finally flew away.

What song would you pick to go with your book? 

The Air Force Song.

Who are your favorite authors?

Somerset Maugham, Clive Cussler, Ken Follett, and Nelson DeMille.

What was your favorite childhood book? 

Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

Clive Cussler, The Devil’s Gate. Hardcover.


Do you have a routine for writing? Do you work better at night, in the afternoon, or in the morning?

In the morning and afternoon.

Where do you prefer to do your writing?

In my office at home.



Name one thing you couldn’t live without.

My loyal wife.

If you could only keep one book, what would it be?

The Bible.

Where’s home for you? 

Huntington Beach, California.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead.

What three books have you read recently and would recommend?

Clive Cussler's The Devil’s Gate and The Storm. Bill O’Reilly's Killing Jesus.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Live theater.

What are you working on now?

A second book: WWII DIARY: Stories by the Airmen of the 22nd Bomb Squadron of World War II.

About the author:

David Hayward had a passion for flying. When World War II came along he knew what to do. After attending Pasadena Junior College in California, he took flight training in the U.S. Army Air Corps and won his wings and commission as second lieutenant. David flew 53 combat missions as pilot of a B-25 medium bomber in the 22nd Bomb Squadron in the China-Burma-India theater of war and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1949 David earned a Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering at Caltech in Pasadena, and, later, a Master degree in petroleum engineering from University of Southern California. He worked for Texaco as a petroleum engineer, developing and producing oil fields in California. In 1951 he married Jeanne Thompson. They produced three fine sons, Gary, Eric and Kirk.

The 22nd Bomb Squadron veterans formed an association and held annual reunions. David served as secretary-treasurer and newsletter publisher, collecting stories and events for the book Eagles, Bulldogs & Tigers and five additional publications.

David returned to China six times with veterans’ groups. At age 91, he assembled this book, bringing together material from his previous sources. David lives with his wife of 62 years in Huntington Beach, California.

Connect with David:
Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Featured Author: Kenneth G. Bennett

EXODUS 2022, by Kenneth G. Bennett, will be released May 20, 2014. Get to know Kenneth and his book with the following interview and book excerpt. Click on the book title to pre-order the book.

About the book:

Joe Stanton is in agony. Out of his mind over the death of his young daughter.

Unable to contain his grief, Joe loses control in public, screaming his daughter’s name and causing a huge scene at a hotel on San Juan Island in Washington State. Thing is, Joe Stanton doesn’t have a daughter. Never did. And when the authorities arrive they blame the 28-year-old’s outburst on drugs.

What they don’t yet know is that others up and down the Pacific coast-—from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound—-are suffering identical, always fatal mental breakdowns.

With the help of his girlfriend Joe struggles to unravel the meaning of the hallucination destroying his mind. As the couple begins to perceive its significance—-and Joe’s role in a looming global calamity—-they must also outwit a billionaire weapons contractor bent on exploiting Joe’s newfound understanding of the cosmos, and outlast the time bomb ticking in Joe’s brain.

Other books by Kenneth G. Bennett:

The Gaia Wars

The Battle for Cascadia

Interview with Kenneth G. Bennett

Kenneth, EXODUS 2022 is your third published book. How long have you been writing, and how did you start? 

I started writing stories at age 6 and have been a professional advertising copywriter most of my adult life.

What’s the story behind the title of your book? 

The book is about a vast relocation that occurs in the year 2022. A migration from Planet Earth that humans are utterly unaware of—-until it’s too late. The title EXODUS 2022 seemed to fit.

How did you create the plot for EXODUS 2022? 

I like to start with an idea and let the story unfold organically by jumping in and moving forward on blind faith—on the strength of the initial idea. It’s a scary process, but much more exhilarating and satisfying to me than trying to map everything out ahead of time.

How do you get to know your characters?

I like to let them develop slowly, along with the book itself. My characters start out flat and one-dimensional and grow and develop as the story develops. I’m not big on fully designing characters (or plot) up front.

Are you like any of your characters?

Like the lead character, Joe Stanton, I love nature and the wilderness and try to get into the backcountry as often as I can.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I have a sunny breakfast nook in my house with coffee close at hand. That’s my favorite place to write.

Where’s home for you?

Bainbridge Island, Washington. An island in the Puget Sound.

Lucky you! It's beautiful up there. If you could only keep one book, what would it be?

The Hobbit.

Let's pretend you’re leaving your country for a year. What’s the last meal (or food) you would want to have before leaving? 

Anything made by my wife. She’s the most amazing chef.

Would you rather work in a library or a bookstore?

A small, local bookstore that also serves great coffee. The big difference being the great coffee.

Where is your favorite library, and what do you love about it? 

The Bainbridge Island Public Library is fantastic, with a very friendly, helpful staff.

You’re given the day off, and you can do anything but write. What would you do?

Disappear into the wilderness with a great traveling companion or two.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?  

“The written word is new. People have listened to stories for millennia. Your voice is the voice of the storyteller around the campfire. Our writing is an imitation of an audible experience.” --Lee Child

Excerpt from Exodus 2022

Ella awoke after a time and lay there, thinking about the first time she and Joe had really talked: in the meadow in the wilderness, under the stars.

She’d found him charming and handsome. Gentle and rugged and sexy. He was a great listener, and, as she’d discovered on her first visit to St. Anthony’s—a great speaker. She’d found his homily that morning brilliant, relevant, and deeply touching.

They dated. Their romance flourished, and within a few weeks she was madly, passionately in love.

Aside from the instant and powerful physical attraction they shared, she found it incredibly easy to talk with him. About anything.

She knew that he was intuitive. Sometimes it seemed that he could read her mind. Even before she told him, he’d been aware, somehow, of a secret she carried and divulged to almost no one. It hurt still to think about it, and most of the time she left it alone, acknowledging the awful event without really examining it. Without reliving it.
Now, though, lying there next to Joe, the memory of the thing unfurled in her mind, unbidden, and she let it flow.

To read another excerpt from the book, click here.

About the author:

Kenneth G. Bennett is the author of the young adult novels, The Gaia Wars and Battle For Cascadia, and the new sci-fi thriller, EXODUS 2022. A wilderness enthusiast who loves backpacking, skiing and kayaking, Ken enjoys mysteries, science fiction, action adventure stories and, most especially, novels that explore the relationship between humans and the wild. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and son and two hyperactive Australian Shepherds.

The Gaia Wars series was optioned for film by Identity Films, LA in 2012, and both Gaia and Battle have been featured as Top 100 Bestsellers in Teen Literature and Fiction on Amazon. Kirkus Reviews called The Gaia Wars “A solid first entry of a promising, imaginative new young-adult fantasy series featuring a well-crafted character.”

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